Jos Verstappen proud of young Max's performance in Jerez

Speaking from the paddock in Jerez, veteran of 107 Formula One Grand Prix Jos Verstappen spoke highly of his son's first days of developing the new Renault powered Scuderia Toro Rosso.

"(Today) was ideal actually," said the elder Verstappen. 

"This morning it was really cold and he had to warm up the car, in the afternoon it started to rain. He went out on the rain tires and that is a new experience for him as well. He did a really good job today, we are very pleased with what he did, and the team is happy with his feedback."

The rookie ran a total of 73 laps on track today.

Verstappen spent much of the day watching over his son on track, following along with both telemetry and a headset, listening in to the team communications. 

Watching more as a father or as a driver?

He said while he is watching, he is both a former pilot and a father, but added the "driver's eye" takes over because "I want Max to do well and to help him as much as possible."

At the end of the day, those 73 laps completed gave Verstappen the fifth spot of eight on the board.

Driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso is a big opportunity for Verstappen, especially considering the team's experience working with younger drivers.

"Sometimes I am jealous, but I am very happy Max has this opportunity," he said. 

"They know how to treat young drivers and also how to do the training and simulator work and the way a new guy comes into a new team, everything is big and new and they know how to handle that."